Washington X Cents 1847?

In the stamp world, forgeries are actively sought by some collectors. Stamps forged by the "masters", i.e. Spiro, Fournier and Spirati, often sell for more than the originals.

Jenny2U - The same exists in the antique world, as well. It seems that the stamp world isn't that far from the antique world - some avidly collect them and some would rather do without them. In both worlds, usually only the valuable are worth collecting, though.

I've seen the Panelli forgeries sell around $200-$300. I suppose you could buy a genuine one for less than that, but they're typically a bit more.

For me, it's really neat to see all three together. Certainly, in that case it would be better if all were authentic...wouldn't it?

walkabout..., pictures?!?

stampcrow - only because you requested. Please keep in mind: a) these are photos, not scans, b) the lighting is terrible and c) all 3 are still in their individual protective cases which are still, individually, attached to the page, so a back photo can't be done until I open the cases which were handmade by the gentleman who collected the stamps. And, I'm not at the point where I need or wish to open the cases.

Ahh sweet! The crown jewels of the U.S. Airmail stamps. As a "dabbler" in the hobby, it is unlikely I will ever own this set.
Thank you for showing them.

BTW that block of ,50 cent zep, is no joke either.

walkabout, you are doing great in terms of posting clear images. They're beautiful and thank you for sharing them.

stampcrow - Thank you for the show of appreciation. From the forums, I know you are an avid Zeppelin fan and collector. Glad I could get some good shots for you. Yes, I've gathered that the 'baby zeppelin' (I think that's what I've seen them called) are something worth consideration, and being a block, even more unusual.

Historical DNA Collector - Thank you. I do try, and sometimes even succeed.

BTW, your $2.60 doesn't look like the Panelli forgery, but it doesn't look genuine either. Check out the quality & detail of the background engraving on a genuine Scott C15 (clouds, rays, etc.) Maybe you used some overly harsh sharpening or compression on your picture?

srailkb.....Ken, I respecfully disagree.
Poster states stamps are still in mounts, camera picture, etc...

Zepps look wonderful!

wert.....I also respectfully disagree

kevin504, but why do the pictures (presumably from the same camera using the same settings) show the finely engraved detail on the $0.65 and $1.30 but none on the $2.60? The $2.60 actually reminds me of those laser-printed fakes sold on ebay years ago... They always looked deceptively good from a distance, but the fine detail was always missing. It would be nice for walkabout to open that mount and check that it's actually engraved (the Panelli forgeries were, most others are not.)

Ken...
The 3 images shown have no set size to them.
Each are photoed at different angles, etc...
Just looking at the items...the $2.60 is the smallest,
then the $1.30...then 65c.
I do not recall EVER seeing a forgery with "guide lines"
on it.
YES...I agree a better photo/scan will help.